Eclectic Collection - Muntz & More
Written by Keith Fudge

Not long ago, Dennis Gage had a fantastic opportunity to travel to Jacksonville, Florida and visit with Bill Warner, one of the hobby’s most important enthusiasts and advocates.  Bill is as active as it gets as a collector, restorer, and promoter.  Among his noteworthy accomplishments are being recognized as the founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, an event that is in its 10th year, and being the 2002 winner of the prestigious “Meguiar’s Collector Car Hobby Person of the Year Award.  This honor recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the growth of the classic car industry.  After he arrived, Dennis spoke to Bill about the Amelia Island event.  Bill told him that last year they had more than 18,000 people in attendance.  In addition, during the ten-year run of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, more than 1.4 million dollars has been raised for Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.  What an outstanding achievement!

Soon the talk turned to automobiles.  Dennis’ visit with Bill started with a real bang as the first car that Bill showed him was a 1952 Muntz Jet!  Developed and produced by master entrepreneur Earl “Madman” Muntz, this vehicle has been hailed as America’s first sportscar!  Bill said that 209 of these beauties were produced and that there are only approximately 30-40 left.  Bill told Dennis that the legendary auto engineer Frank Curtis designed these cars.  When creating the Jet, Muntz took Curtis’ two-seat design, stretched it, and turned it into a four-seater!  The cars themselves are virtually what Dennis referred to as a “parts car.”  They used GMC bumpers, tail lights from a Chevy pickup, and a Lincoln engine!  The custom leather interior features another Muntz invention, the 4-Track Stereo (which was the forerunner of the 8-Track).  There is even a personal touch of the “Madman” Muntz logo in the middle of the steering wheel.  Bill refers to the car as a “happy car.”  He then told Dennis that it seemed to him that the car was almost a caricature.

Next, it was time to “rev it up” as Bill showed Dennis a racing version of the Triumph TR-8.  This rocket is one of two built by the legendary racing team, Group 44, and features a Rover aluminum V-8, Warner T-10 transmission, and a Ford 9-inch rear end.  Bill has actually raced this car and said that it is incredibly fun to drive.  He also noted that the car only weighs 2,200 pounds and that it makes a top speed of 184 miles per hour! 

As Jimmy Buffet would say, “You’ve got fins to the left, fins to the right.”  That is what we had as Bill showed Dennis a pair of unbelievable 1950s Cadillacs.  The first was a 1958 El Dorado Brougham.  This is one special car and was built by Cadillac to compete with the Lincoln Mark II.  Among some of the luxury amenities this Caddy showcases are a stainless steel roof, suicide doors, and aluminum bumpers.  The interior is what really stands in a class by itself.  Featuring a bar (with shot glasses) and a full-fledged makeup compact featuring a mirror, this option even includes a bottle of Arpege cologne and a lipstick case!  The rear seat also features a notebook and Cross pen for taking notes or writing letters while riding.  Bill said there were only 705 of these cars produced.  The next Caddy was a 1957 El Dorado Biarritz Convertible.  Two words describe this drop-top beauty:  blue and long!  Complete with fins, leather, and a whole lot of steel, this car exemplifies Cadillac’s commitment to luxury.

Finally, the last car that Bill showed to Dennis was special indeed: a 1934 Ford Special Speedster.  Built for Edsel Ford, this rare red rocket is one of only one produced.  The body is all aluminum, and the frame was constructed from Chrom-Moly tubing.  Engineered at Ford’s Aircraft Division, this car features some unique designs such as a boat tail rear end!  Bill asked Dennis if he would he like to take a couple of these cool cars for a spin!  Dennis couldn’t say, “You betcha” quick enough.  With smiles on their faces, they headed for the Muntz Jet.  As they cruised the streets, they were instantly recognized by fans of My Classic Car, but also by someone who immediately recognized what the car was!  It just goes to show you that there are “certified car nuts” everywhere!  After a great drive, with people honking and waving to Bill and Dennis along the way, they returned the Muntz and began to prepare Edsel’s Special Speedster for a spin.  While taking off, Dennis noted that this car was pretty much a “bare-bones” affair.  There was no radio, no heater, no doors, and no side glass!  Bill cited that the art deco look was definitely an influence.  Like the Muntz Jet, this car is almost a caricature as well.  When their cruise in the Speedster was finished, Bill and Dennis returned to say goodbye.  They were already making plans to get together again soon.  We can’t wait!

That’s it from Jacksonville, Florida.  So until our next trip, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”